'#SustainMedia' is a project funded by the European Union and the German Government (BMZ) which supports independent media across the six Western Balkan economies. It’s implemented by GIZ together with Internews and DW Akademie. The goal is to help media outlets become more financially resilient and competitive, even when facing political or commercial pressure.

Through open calls, mentoring, and training, the project helps media try out new business models, grow their audiences, and produce high-quality, fact-based journalism. It also encourages regional cooperation through joint reporting and networking on shared public issues.

In total, 87 media outlets are receiving support. Among them, 23 strategic partners get financial help and tailored guidance to improve how they work and sustain themselves. The project also runs a Rapid Action Fund to help media respond to urgent threats or restrictions. And thanks to the Media Exchange Programme, journalists can spend time with other media outlets across the region, learning new skills and building lasting professional connections.

• Help media outlets grow stronger businesses by improving how they operate and earn money.
• Support quality journalism that speaks to different audiences, especially at the local level and from a gender perspective.
• Boost collaboration and connections between media professionals to share ideas, stories, and grow their reach.
• Encourage peer learning and cross-border exchanges through mentoring and joint reporting projects.
• Make independent media more visible, trusted, and better prepared to deal with outside pressures.

• Media freedom and pluralism in the Western Balkans will be stronger.
• Independent outlets will see a boost in their revenues and financial resilience.
• Selected media will grow their audiences and reach more diverse communities.
• New partnerships and joint initiatives between media outlets will take shape.
• Sub-grants will help key media organisations test new ideas and grow.
• Local journalism will gain visibility and relevance, especially in underserved areas.
• Reporting will improve in quality, with more focus on public interest stories.
• Media professionals will have better tools and skills to sustain their work.
• Peer learning and regional exchange will encourage innovation and trust.
• Women and underrepresented voices will have more space in the media.
• Independent journalism will be more resilient, connected, and impactful.